Gazzew Bobagum vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Both of these switches offer unique features and characteristics that make them desirable choices for different preferences. The Bobagum is renowned for its smoothness, providing a distinct matte feel that sets it apart from other switches. With its bubblegum color and near-silent sound profile, it offers a more muted and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its tactile feedback, thanks to its long, two-staged spring design. Typing on these switches produces deep, resonating thocks that create a more clacky and high-pitched sound profile. With their sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel, they offer a unique typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$6.50 per 10

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches have distinct differences in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic features. The Gazzew Bobagum utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, commonly known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Overall, the housing material in the top section of the switch plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key.

Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches exhibit contrasting characteristics. The Bobagum utilizes the same proprietary Gazzew blend as its top housing, resulting in a soft and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is made of polycarbonate, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As with the top housing, the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when it is pressed down. Therefore, the choice of housing material affects not only the sound but also the tactile experience of using the switch.

While there are distinct differences between the Gazzew Bobagum and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches in terms of their housing materials, there are also similarities. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of polycarbonate, which offer a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the use of a proprietary plastic blend in the Bobagum's top and bottom housing provides a rich and deep sound. Furthermore, both switches utilize translucency in their housing materials to enhance the aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Therefore, despite their differences, both switches are designed to deliver high-quality sound and provide an enjoyable typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Bobagum is lighter with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which falls into the medium range. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, on the other hand, has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, also classified as medium.

Both switches have a medium level of actuation force, meaning they require a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This is advantageous for those looking for a balance between the lightness that allows for longer typing sessions and the stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.

However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Bobagum requires slightly less force, making it a slightly lighter option for those who prefer a softer landing when pressing the keys all the way down. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, with its slightly higher bottom out force, provides a slightly firmer and more pronounced typing experience for those who enjoy a more substantial feel.

Overall, while both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Bobagum is slightly lighter in both aspects compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Nonetheless, both switches offer a balanced and enjoyable typing experience, with the Bobagum being a bit more forgiving on the fingers during bottoming out, and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring providing a slightly more tactile and solid keystroke.

Travel distance

When considering the travel distance, it is evident that the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch offers a shorter distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch with a distance of 4 mm. While both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Bobagum takes a slightly shallower approach. This shorter distance can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times, as the reduced travel allows for faster keystrokes. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring with its longer travel distance. The additional 0.4 mm provides a greater sense of depth, which can be preferable for those who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference – whether one prefers the responsiveness of a shorter travel distance or the hearty depth of a longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The subjective qualities of the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch can be compared in terms of sound and feel.

In terms of sound, the Bobagum switch offers a nearly silent sound profile. It is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Bobagum being almost silent and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring being sharp and crisp.

In terms of feel, the Bobagum switch offers a smooth and almost matte feel. It provides a subtle typing experience with gentle resistance, maintaining a light feel. The sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a variety of feel descriptors including sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped. It has a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. It is also known for its responsiveness and spring-like feedback sensation.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Bobagum switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness, near-silent sound profile, and subtle typing feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers medium-high tactility, deep resonating thocks when typing, and a variety of tactile feel descriptors. Depending on the preference of the user, they can choose the switch that aligns with their desired sound and feel. If a user is seeking a switch with a similar smoothness but a more tactile feel, they can opt for lubricating the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch to achieve similar results to the Bobagum switch in terms of smoothness.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gazzew Bobagum linear switch would be a great choice. These switches offer a unique and almost "matte" feel, providing unparalleled tactility that is truly one of a kind. Additionally, they have a nearly silent sound profile, making them perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy a deep, resonating sound when typing, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is the way to go. With its long, two-staged spring, you can expect a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. The sound profile of the Shadow switches is described as clacky and high-pitched, adding a sharp and percussive element to your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preferences for smoothness, tactility, and sound. You can choose the Bobagum if you prefer a subtle and quieter switch, or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring if you enjoy a more accentuated and resonant tactile experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gazzew Bobagum Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring Tactile

$4.50

$3.57 per 10

Learn more